Changing the Oil Filter

[65cobra1]

The space between the frame and the filter is too small for any of my band wrenches or any of my cup wrenches.

I can get it on hand tight but I need a wrench for that 1/2 turn to finish the job.

I'm using a Motorcraft FL-1HP filter.

Do you just get a smaller i.e. shorter (Read possibly less efficient) filter or is there a special tool you use?

I appreciate the help,
Ivan

[RedBarchetta]

Channel Lock sells a filter wrench (non-band type) that is purpose built for what you need. Summit Racing sells them.

Or (when removing) you can always drive a Philips-head screwdriver through the can and that usually works, too.

Also, put on some latex mechanics gloves and that will give you the grip to tighten it another 1/2 turn. They don't have to be on super tight.

-Dean

[65cobra1]

Thanks Dean,
I'll check those two sources out.

I've been using a small non-slip mat to tighten. Perhaps I'm overtightening.

By the way...I took a tip from someone on this forum who advised to try a placing a freezer bag over the filter when removing it. What a great idea...No oil running down my arms or on the floor.

Thanks to whomever that was!
Ivan

[wtm442]

How about one with a 3/8 inch drive socket

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kdt2029.html

[65cobra1]

Warren...Good idea. That might work if I can work the band in between the frame and the filter. The offset then should work OK.

That gives me three places to check out. One of them should have what is needed.
Thanks, Ivan

[thudmaster]

If none of those ideas work I'll loan you my ex-wife. She can nag it off for you.............

[65cobra1]

Originally Posted by thudmaster

If none of those ideas work I'll loan you my ex-wife. She can nag it off for you.............

It's too slow a demise...I'd rather remove it quicker
Ivan

[Rick Parker]

You should only have to use your hands to tighten it. Be sure to smear a little oil on the rubber seal. Here is a good tip if your install area is quite tight:
Normally the threaded nipple that the filter screws onto is longer than it needs to be. Measure the depth of the threads from the rubber seal on the filter. Then measure how far the nipple protrudes from the filter mounting face on the block. Remove the nipple from the engine and shorten it accordingly. It will free up some much needed room allowing the filter to be more easily be installed and removed. An additional 1/4" - 3/8" here is quite a bit. The length of the threads do not need to be any longer than necessary to fully engage the depth of the threads on the filter mounting "face".

[Bx1]

Originally Posted by 65cobra1

The space between the frame and the filter is too small for any of my band wrenches or any of my cup wrenches.

I can get it on hand tight but I need a wrench for that 1/2 turn to finish the job.

I'm using a Motorcraft FL-1HP filter.

Do you just get a smaller i.e. shorter (Read possibly less efficient) filter or is there a special tool you use?

I appreciate the help,
Ivan

I had a simillar problem with my oil filter... older model SPN with a huge filter, couldnt remove it as the frame rail was in the way... longer bolts with 5/8 spacer moved the filter toward the engine just enough to remove it...

[GlynMeek]

Once you get it off you might consider putting a 90 degree oil filter adapter on to 'point' the filter in a different direction which will make it WAY easier to put on, and may allow you to install a bigger oil filter!!

something like...

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

[CHANMADD]

I have never tightened a filter more than I can by hand,and have never had a leak.They don,t have to be that tight it just makes it difficult getting them off.

[Ron61]

When I had my car and the filter was like that, I got a wrench at the local store that has a nylon strap that I just threw around the filter and fastened to the handle and it would tighten one way and loosen the other. Then I just took the end of the strap loose and it fell off. Never had to go on over the bottom of the filter. Then I finally got tired of the small filter and put on a remote unit so I could use a regular size filter.

Ron

[jhv48]

They make that same strap out of rubber. You can find it in any store thet handles kitchen gadgets. They are used to remove the tops from all various sizes of jars. Work great for removal and tightening. But recommend hand tightening if possible.